Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 301 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Peter D.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

Quality 10

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are fast, efficient, and they did the work that was requested in a very satisfactory manner. They were very good.

Overall, when the gentleman came out, he did the analysis and told me what he would be able to fix. The communication was clear, and he did what he said he was going to do. He did a good job.

Anthony M.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

2
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Their expertise is not to be questioned, they are reliable, and they are trustworthy. Those are major things in this day and age.

When I had a disaster, they came out and helped even though they had a major commitment for everybody on the staff. They come, they diagnose, they fix, and they leave the place cleaner than when they came. The price is so affordable. They were very respectful of my home.

Bill L.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

3
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a good job, they came out on time, and they did a reasonable job. The price was right, and they seemed to know what they were doing.

They were reliable, and they showed up when they were supposed to. They did the job.

President Tammy Cortez credits much of Savior Plumbing’s success to its personalized approach to interacting with customers. “People feel comfortable working with us because they know we’re really listening to their concerns and working hard to help them make the right decisions for their specific situations,” she says. “We provide peace of mind during stressful times, and that’s what makes our customers come back and recommend us to others.”

Savior Plumbing maintains a staff of experienced journeymen plumbers who are trained to handle all types of plumbing repairs and installations—an attribute Mrs. Cortez says is important for providing consistently efficient work. “We don’t hire technicians; we hire professional craftsmen who know exactly what they’re doing and work quickly and honestly to solve our customers’ plumbing problems.”

President Tammy Cortez credits much of Savior Plumbing’s success to its personalized approach to interacting with customers. “People feel comfortable working with us because they know we’re really listening to their concerns and working hard to help them make the right decisions for their specific situations,” she says. “We provide peace of mind during stressful times, and that’s what makes our customers come back and recommend us to others.”

Savior Plumbing maintains a staff of experienced journeymen plumbers who are trained to handle all types of plumbing repairs and installations—an attribute Mrs. Cortez says is important for providing consistently efficient work. “We don’t hire technicians; we hire professional craftsmen who know exactly what they’re doing and work quickly and honestly to solve our customers’ plumbing problems.”

Company Philosophy

“Our main goal is to establish personal relationships with every customer and remain their plumber for life. We understand how important reliable plumbing is to a family’s quality of life, so we always strive to provide the best possible services at the fairest prices.”

Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for plumbing companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Savior Plumbing, Inc., achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is dependent on two factors: superior craftsmanship and a personalized approach to doing business. “Quite simply, our customers feel safe when they’re working with us,” says President Tamara Cortez. “Our technicians are very efficient and personable, so each customer feels like their voice is being heard and they’re getting the best value for their money.”

Savior Plumbing has been providing plumbing services for residential and commercial clients throughout Contra Costa County since 2000. In addition to specializing in clearing and replacing sewer drains and water lines, the family-owned and operated company can fix plumbing fixtures; install garbage disposals, tankless and traditional water heaters, and water purification systems and sump pumps; detect and repair gas, water and sewer leaks; and more.

Unlike less experienced plumbing companies that take a “one size fits all” approach to every job and let the quality of their work suffer as a result, Savior Plumbing believes in providing highly personalized service from the moment a customer calls until the completion of their project. “Having a plumbing problem can be stressful for a lot of people, so we always let our customers know we’re going to take care of them and assure them that they won’t pay more money than they should,” says Mrs. Cortez. “We strive to change the reputation of the plumbing industry with every job.”

To further differentiate itself from its competition, Savior Plumbing eschews the job-by-job approach of most plumbers in favor of developing long-lasting relationships with its customers. “Obviously we’re interested in new customers, but we really want to establish a relationship of trust with each client so they continually call us whenever they have a plumbing need,” explains Mrs. Cortez. “Our goal is to be each customer’s plumber for life.”

Industry Info

If you have an older home, make sure you keep track of the effectiveness of its piping. Every home needs to have its pipes replaced at some point, but pipe replacement is even more important for older homes that are in further states of deterioration. “Pipes don’t last forever, so finding a good plumber who can help you determine when you’ll need re-piping services can save you a lot of time and money in the long run,” says Tamara Cortez, president of Savior Plumbing, Inc. in Pleasanton. “One of the biggest concerns for older homes is the main water service that runs into the house. Many homes in the Bay Area were built in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, so a lot of ‘house to curb’ services are starting to deteriorate today. If you have an older home, you should hire a certified plumber to conduct a video inspection of the lines that run to the curb to determine if there are any problems.”

According to Mrs. Cortez, the first indications of a serious water main problem are often perceived by homeowners as minor annoyances, such as low water flow. “If your water flow has dropped and cleaning the aerators doesn’t help, that often indicates a problem with the water main,” she says. “In that case, a professional video inspection can help determine the exact problem.”

Many Bay Area homeowners are becoming more aware of their water usage and the need for household water efficiency—both in terms of environmental responsibility and financial stability. “These days, plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaky pipes, clearing sewers and installing water heaters—people want to be advised how to do the best for both their utility bills and the environment,” says Mrs. Cortez. “Low-flow fixtures can help you limit your water usage, and there are efficient ways to use less gas as well. When looking for a plumber, make sure you find one you trust to help you make the right decisions about these things.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How soon can you get here?

A: That depends on the nature of the work. We prioritize our services based on the severity of the problem, so a flooding house will take priority over upgrading some fixtures. Regardless, we always try to give a two-hour window for our arrival.

Q: Can you diagnose a plumbing problem over the phone?

A: We can usually offer diagnoses over the phone, but sometimes we need to actually see the problem before we can accurately diagnose it. Occasionally, we won’t be able to solve the problem, but we can usually determine that over the phone and recommend a contractor that can handle that type of work.

Q: How much will it cost to fix my plumbing problem?

A: We’ll discuss pricing with you after we determine the nature and extent of the problem.

Q: Will my job require multiple service calls?

A: Probably not. Ninety percent of the time, our plumbers have all the necessary parts to do the job right the first time.

Q: Are you qualified to work on tankless water heaters?

A: Not only are we qualified to work on tankless water heaters, we’re certified to install and service the two biggest brands (Takagi and Rinnai). Our training and certification is important—we’re often called to clean up and correct installations that were performed incorrectly by untrained, non-certified plumbers.

SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Savior Plumbing, Inc.

Savior Plumbing installed this hi-lo drinking fountain at a school in San Ramon.

Savior Plumbing installed this new shower trim in a home in Dublin.

Savior Plumbing installed this boiler unit in a home in Danville.

A recent boiler unit installation in Danville

Savior Plumbing installed this NuvoH2O citrus-based water treatment system in a home in Pleasanton.

Savior Plumbing installed this NuvoH2O citrus-based water treatment system in a home in Danville.

A recent radiant heating system installation by Savior Plumbing

Savior Plumbing recently installed this sink in a customer’s bathroom.

Savior Plumbing recently installed this vessel sink and toilet in a home in Livermore.

Savior Plumbing recently installed these multi-function shower fixtures in a home in Lafayette.

A recent shower handle replacement job in Pleasanton

Savior Plumbing installed this tankless water heater in the garage of a home in Walnut Creek.

A recent tankless water heater installation on the exterior of a home in Pleasanton

Savior Plumbing installed this tankless water heater on the exterior of a home in Walnut Creek.

Savior Plumbing installed this walk-in bathtub in a home in Pleasanton.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Tom Cortez

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Tom Cortez is a longtime veteran of the plumbing industry and owner of Savior Plumbing, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2012. He can be reached at (925) 233-6962 or by email.

Tom Cortez: Taking the Field

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PLEASANTON — Even though Tom Cortez never reached professional status as a football player, he found success after applying his experience on—or rather, in—another field. As he recounts, it all started with the dual fraternal influences that shaped his childhood aspirations. “Growing up, my two older brothers were my primary role models,” he says. “One of them coached football and the other was a plumber, so I got involved with both the sport and the trade. When I didn’t get drafted to the pros after playing football in college, I decided to join the plumbers union. I really enjoyed working with my hands and solving problems, so it turned out to be a great career for me.”

Tom began his plumbing career working in institutional settings like hospitals, prisons and research facilities, but when he established his own business in 2000, he shifted his focus toward the residential and commercial sectors. Today, as owner of Savior Plumbing, Inc., Tom explains the ethos behind his company’s name. “We’re not the Savior; we’re just here to fix the plumbing,” he laughs. “My faith permeates everything I do, and I think the best way for me to live that out is by operating with integrity and treating others fairly and honestly.”

Born and raised in Hayward, Tom resides today in Pleasanton with his wife and business partner, Tammy. An avid outdoorsman, he appreciates the many opportunities the lush Bay Area setting affords. “I love bicycling, camping and getting out into the wilderness, and this is a prime place to enjoy those things.” Besides cycling for fun, Tom likes doing it competitively—especially when there’s a charitable cause involved. “I participated in AIDS/LifeCycle this past year,” he says. “It’s a 600-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and the proceeds go toward funding AIDS research.” When he’s not on his bike, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, including his and Tammy’s three grown children and granddaughter, Anna.

In regard to his life and career, Tom says being a plumber entails a greater responsibility than most people realize. “When I first started in this industry, I was taught that plumbers are responsible for the health of the nation. In servicing the sewer, water, and gas piping in homes and businesses, we’re accountable for making sure things are operating safely and efficiently. I take pride in being responsible for maintaining my customers’ plumbing systems.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Tom says he’d jump on his bike. “I guess I’d go for a long bicycle ride, but to be honest, I don’t plan to ever retire—I want to continue running my business for as long as I can. I would like to do a little more traveling, though.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: Being an athlete. I was the quarterback of our football team.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The USC Trojans, the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland A’s.

Expert articles

Innovations in Sewer Line Diagnosis and Repair

by Tom Cortez, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

PLEASANTON — If you experience chronic sewer line backups in your home, it’s likely a symptom of a larger underlying issue. Fortunately, thanks to innovations in plumbing technology, it’s now easier than ever to diagnose and repair sewer line problems.

Diagnosis
In the past, diagnosing a sewer line involved a fair amount of guesswork, but today’s plumbers have the advantage of advanced imaging technology. In-line cameras enable plumbers to see the location and cause of a sewer line problem without having to dig an inch. Some of the things a plumber will look for during a video survey of your sewer line include flat spots or bellies in the line where materials are prone to collect, breaks and obstructions caused by tree roots, and separations between pipes where connections have worn away or no longer align properly.

Repair
In the past, sewer line repair was an expensive, time-intensive process. Since the whole line often had to be dug up, the days-long project would disrupt the homeowner’s schedule and ruin their yard as well. Fortunately, modern innovations allow homeowners to avoid such inconveniences. Using trenchless technology, a plumber can typically repair a sewer line in a single day (often within a couple of hours), without the need for extensive excavation. So, if you’re tired of dealing with ongoing sewer line backups in your home, call a plumber to have the problem fixed once and for all.

3 Water Heater Components to Know

By Tom Cortez of Savior Plumbing, Inc.

PLEASANTON — Besides its tank, a water heater has several functional components and connecting parts. Here are a few important ones to know about:

Water connectors
These deliver water to and from the water heater. The best product for this is a stainless steel flex line, which has a full port valve (meaning nothing constricts the flow of water). Braided lines, on the other hand, have restricted valves and rubber linings that gradually break down and end up in the water. These, along with black hoses (which are also braided), should be avoided.

Flue pipe
This is where natural gas is ventilated from the unit to the outside. If this pipe is broken or has visible gaps, it could potentially leak carbon monoxide into the home or garage, which is extremely hazardous. If your water heater’s flue pipe looks compromised, call a plumber to come out and take a look at it.

Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve
This valve acts as a safety device in the event that the water heater overheats or builds up too much pressure. People sometimes like to lift this valve to see water shoot out of the adjacent pipe, but this isn’t a good idea—it should only be used for its intended purpose.

Expert video tip

Video: Sewer Line Diagnosis and Repair

with Tom Cortez of Savior Plumbing

Complete Video Transcription:

PLEASANTON — Host, Sarah Rutan: Thanks to modern innovations in plumbing technology, diagnosing and repairing a sewer line problem is far easier today than it was in the past. To learn more, we’re in Pleasanton with Tammy Cortez, president of Savior Plumbing, speaking on behalf of Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Tom Cortez.

Tammy Cortez, president of Savior Plumbing: If you are having chronic sewer line backups and find yourself calling a plumber multiple times a year for drain service, you might consider having a video survey done of your sewer line. Some of the things the video survey will be looking for are flat spots or bellies in the line where materials tend to pile up. Separations between pipes where time has worn away connections, or where movement of the earth has shifted the piping, and it no longer aligns properly. Breaks in the pipes caused by roots, creating a tangled web that material cannot pass through.

Some issues can be as easy to repair as digging a hole to address the problem area. And this can often be completed in a couple of hours. Sometimes the best and most cost effective solution is to replace the main sewer line from your home to the connection at the city line. It might seem intimidating, but with the new trenchless technology, this repair can usually be completed in a day with a minimal impact to your yard and your life.

Video: Water Heater Components to Know

With Tom Cortez of Savior Plumbing, Inc.

Complete Video Transcription:

PLEASANTON — Host, Sarah Rutan:When it comes to water heaters, there are a few components every homeowner should know about. Today we’re in Pleasanton with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Tom Cortez of Savior Plumbing to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Tom Cortez: A few quick tips about your water heater. If you see you have a stainless steel flex sign on the top, you can rest assured it’s a full port valve. But if it’s stainless steel and it’s got a braided clad like this, you can know it’s restricted, and you want to avoid those. They have a rubber lining that breaks down and ends up coming through your water, and some of them are even black hose like this. Those also are braided. You have your flue pipe where the natural gas goes out. If this is ever broken apart or gaps, you could be getting carbon monoxide into your home or into your garage which is bad for you to breathe.

This is an important valve. If water ever comes out of there, this is your temperature pressure relief valve. Don’t use it as a switch. Some people like to turn it and lift it up and see water shoot out of it because it will shoot out of it, but that’s not ever to be used. It’s only for safety device if the water heater overheats or builds up pressure, and last but not least, daylight savings time. Every year we’ll remind you, “I need to drain my water heater.” Most of us have all heard it. Very few of us do it. It will help maintain the life of your heater and give you maintenance that you can do yourself.

COMPANY CONTACT

Savior Plumbing, Inc.

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Savior Plumbing, Inc.

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Savior Plumbing, Inc.

301 SURVEYS

RATING

7 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEAugust 2012CERT1899

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
i

Customer LOYALTY
i

Helpful Expertise
i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
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Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 301 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Savior Plumbing, Inc.:
Average 9.4 out of 10 based on 301 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Peter D.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

1
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are fast, efficient, and they did the work that was requested in a very satisfactory manner. They were very good.

Overall, when the gentleman came out, he did the analysis and told me what he would be able to fix. The communication was clear, and he did what he said he was going to do. He did a good job.

Anthony M.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

2
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Their expertise is not to be questioned, they are reliable, and they are trustworthy. Those are major things in this day and age.

When I had a disaster, they came out and helped even though they had a major commitment for everybody on the staff. They come, they diagnose, they fix, and they leave the place cleaner than when they came. The price is so affordable. They were very respectful of my home.

Bill L.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

3
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a good job, they came out on time, and they did a reasonable job. The price was right, and they seemed to know what they were doing.

They were reliable, and they showed up when they were supposed to. They did the job.

Matt G.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

4
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They respond quickly.

Nothing

Norm C.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

5
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would say to use them. I have been using them for over 4 years now.

They are always prompt and on time for appointments.

Chris S.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

6
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were very helpful.

Nothing

Richard S.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

7
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They explained everything that they were doing, and they were very professional.

The owner came out and talked to us.

Christine O.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

8
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They show up on time, and they are very professional.

They make very helpful suggestions.

Gertrude R.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

9
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a wonderful job. I would use them again, because my experience with them was very good. They came out on time.

They did the service on time and did not overcharge me.

Denise S.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

10
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Honest and reliable

Personable

Elen M.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

11
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a great job, and the price was a little above average, but it was worth it.

Their professionalism

Jill L.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

12
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would say they were responsive and got job done.

The technician that came out to house was courteous and knowledgeable.

Jerry M.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

13
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were responsive and did the work that needed to be done.

Very responsive

Janet O.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

14
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I trust this man Tom to do the right thing.

Tom had my best interests in mind.

Jerry W.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

15
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would highly recommend them.

I think the best thing was the guy did a top quality job.

Thompson M.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

16
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I felt that they were honest.

They were quick to respond and did excellent work.

Sue M.

VERIFIED Savior Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

17
of
301

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would tell them that if they are looking for an honest and reliable plumbing service, call this company.

I had two or three different people working here from savior Plumbing, and they were all very experienced and knowledgeable.